Spring Workshops (Time to Bloom!!!)

I think spring came early this year and wowwajumba so with all my upcoming workshops! 

For those in the Abstract realm, I will be teaching "Abstraction Without Fear" at the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington every Wednesday (11-2p.m.) for the whole month of April!!  This workshop focuses to different techniques and methods on how to start an abstract painting.  Discover different acrylic mediums that can change the volume and flow of your acrylic paints.  This course are for those who want to create paintings based on 'intuition' and artistic freedom! http://www.vac.ca/

"Beyond Abstraction" a new abstract workshop I developed will be at Currys Art Store in Whitby.  This abstract workshop (April 28-29) will start by exploring different ways of abstracting a landscape. Students will be working from their own photo as a reference material. Students will deconstruct, exaggerate, crop and edit injecting some humour and personality then reconstructing it again into a finished masterpiece!  No software required, just pure imagination!!!  On day two, students will be able to work on another photograph and choose which technique they liked best from the day before!  You can register by calling Currys at 905-728-2868!

For those who like BIG and Bold flowers!  Bold Floral is back at Curry's Art Store on April 14-15.  Learn to paint flowers up close and personal... feel their energy, their strength as you capture their beauty.  This acrylic class are for those who have already taken a beginner's acrylic class. 

I am back with Meta4 Contemporary Art Gallery in Port Perry, from April 24-May 29!  Every Tuesday from 12:30 - 3p.m., I am teaching "Vibrant Acrylic Painting"! This is for Beginners to Intermediate painters who want to continue learning different painting techniques, from underpainting, to glazing, perspective and composition!  It is a comprehensive course which will get you on your way to creating vibrant paintings!! http://www.meta4gallery.ca/

Last but not least, I am back with the Pickering Recreation Centre for their Beginners Acrylic class on their Spring leisure guide.  Registration begins March 19th.  https://onreg.city.pickering.on.ca/econnect/Start/Start.asp

I am excited to see you in any of my workshops to start painting!!


Cheers,
Marissa

Upcoming Shows

Together with friends Cathy and Allison



It's almost spring and with the change of season there are a few shows I will be participating in soon!  But first, I must congratulate an artist friend  (Cathy Mills) who was at The Artist Project last March 1-4 Exhibition Place, Toronto.  200 artists in one location was overwhelming and exciting!  It was nice to see what everyone has been up to and meet other friends who were exhibiting there as well.  I left the show, inspired and rejuvenated!



My first show this Spring is called " It's the Small Things", Cobalt Gallery, Kingston Road, Toronto from March 10-25.  Opening reception is on March 10th at 1p.m.  I will be among 20 artists who are making a statement that small things can challenge us and inspire us.  All pieces at the show will be no larger than 10" x 10"!!! Please visit, http://www.cobaltgallery.ca/ for more details!

Secondly, on March 19, I will be setting up a display of paintings at the McLean Community Centre, Ajax, Ontario together with Robert Hinves of PineRidge Arts Council.  15 original acrylic and mixed media paintings will be on display.  Show runs from March 19- April 7th.  Pictures on my next blog!

I am also pleased to say that Stuttering John's Bistro is continuing to display my paintings for the month of March, so check out his website

http://www.stutteringjohnsbistro.com/ 



Cobalt Gallery







Coming up on my next blog, new class schedules for spring, art studio time at my home studio, Drawing for Art Fundraiser!!!! See you again soon!












Art in Public Places

Lakeridge Dental Centre, Oshawa

Over the years, I have always participated in displaying my paintings in public places.  Partnerships with establishments such as restaurants, cafes, salons, spas, bistros and various enterprises has allowed me to reach a wider audience.  I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for providing me with a very unique gallery space!!! 





Ajax Council Town Hall



For the month of January 2012, 20 of my original paintings will be on display at the Ajax Town Council Chambers.  These are collections from 2009-2011.  Likewise, I am displaying 4 paintings for sale at Stuttering John's Bistro for the month of January.  This new resturant has just opened its doors last December 2011.  More information about Stuttering John's in my next blog!



Stuttering John's Bistro, Oshawa

In quaint Bowmanville, I have about 10 original paintings on display at famous Chanterelle Bistro, on Division Street.  I have mentioned this bistro a few times on my blog and rave about their delicioso cuisine!!!! To take a look at their sumptious menu, click on http://www.chanterellebistro.com/



Chanterelle Bistro


 

Spa Sedona



I worked on providing proper Feng Shui placement to Spa Sedona at the Pickering Village in Ajax.  It was transformed from a mere shell, to a relaxing and rejuvenating spa, consistently voted as Best Spa in Durham since it was lauched in 2005.  Book your next appointment with them to get your spirit restored!

Last but not least, my beautiful friend Michelle has consistently supported my work by displaying my paintings at her hair salon on Bond Street, Oshawa.  My-Ty Hair Design provides hair care design to suit your lifestyle.  You can call for an appointment at 905.718.6349.





Happy New Year!!!

It is the New Year and with it comes new goals to pursue and the hope that accompanies every beginning!   I will have a solo show and display of paintings at the Ajax City Town Hall, on Harwood Avenue South, Ajax, displaying a collection of 20 paintings from the last 3 years.  Hope you can come visit, http://www.townofajax.com/Page2089.aspx.  Show runs from January 5-February 2, 2012.

Tadah, 2012 brings a brand new solo show which will mark a milestone in my life., as I approach my 50th year!  For those of you who know when my birthday will be, just relax as the show will not be ready by then!!!  (That would freak me out!)  I am targeting the middle of this year for the opening and negotiations are underway as to where the venue will be!  I am very excited about this show as it will be very personal to me.

My art classes are reving up to run by mid January.  You can google schedules at the Currys Art Store in Whitby, The Pickering Recreation Centre, Visual Arts Clarington and at The Painted Tree. 

Sweet Art Studio nights every Thursdays will start January 19th.  This studio is limited to 6 participants so register as soon as possible.  You do not want to miss out!

To the right, please check out my latest painting which was a gift to my sister-in-law..." Life is Good". 

Wish you all a joyful, productive and creative year ahead!

Marissa

A Spark of Inspiration!

Last September, we had the opportunity to visit Spain.  In one word, " Magnifico!!"  It was what I expected and more.  Travelling to nearby villages, walking through medieval towns and simply being immersed in the culture, the food, the people.  Our stay was too too short, but with it, I carry with me over 1600 pictures of great memories, a reconnection with my grade school friends, laughter and fun shared with my hubby! 

October 23rd, I was awarded Best in Mixed Media for my painting, " La Reina y Princesa" by the Visual Arts Centre, in Bowmanville.  Thrilled and tickled pink.... 

La Reina y Princesa

Now it is November and even with the time change, I still can't complain about the weather. It has been mild. A beautiful summer and a colourful fall.    And oh boy am I inspired!

Now let's get ready to face that canvas and find my voice!



Falling for Workshops!

In as much as we love our summertime, our love affair ends with the beginning of Fall.  As the colours of nature begin to unfold with its golden ochre, sunsets and quiet crimsons come the coolness of each day and the onset of getting back into the swing of things.

I am happy to share, that I will be in a few new areas this fall with brand new workshops.  Out in Cobourg, with "'The Painted Tree", I will be introducing a new workshop called Painting your Garden with Acrylics. http://www.thepaintedtree.ca/  This one-day workshop, (Sept. 17th) will teach students to simplify garden composition.

VAC Abstraction class June 2011

The next workshop on Sept. 28th is at the Visual Arts Clarington.  A 4-session, every Wednesday Abstract class!  Now how cool is that!!!?? http://www.vac.ca/  This is all very exciting, because I will be pushing students out of their 'safe-zone' into a brand new looser approach!

My Fall classes at Curry's Artist Materials is already in the Currys website http://www.currys.com/, with Northern Landscapes and so much more!

In October, I am returning back to the Pickering Recreation Centre with Beginner's Acrylic.  And last but not least, 'SweetArt Studio nights' will move from Tuesday to Thursday evenings, where the interaction with fellow artists, great music and love for painting make every evening of painting go by so fast!

And so as the summer closes, take comfort in the sizzle of fall courses to discover!

See you soon!

Marissa

Be Cre8TV

Guess what? I have a TV show coming up in the fall! Yup!

Last July, was a whirlwind of designing, painting of the set and the taping of 6 episodes for a fall show which is lined up to air at Rogers TV Durham in September. I, together with co-producer and host, Sharon Lindsay will be appearing together in a show called Be Cre8TV. This show is about being creative in our lives!

There are 3 segments in each episode, the first; a Feng Shui segment where I provide valuable information about the practise of Classical Feng Shui. As a certified practitioner with the Feng Shui Research Center and past board member of the Feng Shui Association of Canada, I will be talking about the very basics of Feng Shui and how it can enhance our lives! The second segment; will be with various guests and the third; will be a craft segment - where we will be creating interesting elements for your home!! It was so much fun and I met alot of interesting and creative people. I can't wait to see the show myself! Right now, it is in post production.

I am truly excited about this show and hope that it receives well. Stay tuned to find out when it will be on the air! Or in YouTube?

HUgs,

Marissa